Joyce Marie Fay

Joyce Marie Fay, 77, of Topeka passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025. She was born in Topeka on February 19, 1948 the daughter of Vernon B. and Nadine (Cook) Roush. She was raised in the Oakland neighborhood, where she attended Oakland Elementary and Holiday Junior High. Joyce graduated Topeka High School in 1966. Joyce married the love of her life, John Fay, at the Wesleyan-Methodist Parsonage in Oakland on September 23, 1966. Joyce and John were inseparable over their 58 years of marriage, which was one filled with unconditional love, mutual respect, and putting each others’ needs above their own. Joyce was a devoted mother to two children, Troy and Scott, and doting grandmother to six grandchildren. Family was of upmost importance to her.

Joyce was a faithful and humble servant of her personal savior, Jesus Christ. She was a member of Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene where she and John attended and volunteered. They previously attended Wanamaker Road Baptist Church for many years. Joyce was a prayer warrior, constantly petitioning her heavenly father on others’ behalf.

Joyce enjoyed a 33-year career as a day care provider, where she provided endless love and attention to hundreds of babies in the Topeka area. She worked at Kiddicat Daycare (23 years), Teddy Bear Daycare and Wanamaker Road Baptist Church Day Care.

Joyce was an excellent baker. She is best remembered as a giver, baking her famous cinnamon rolls and making countless cookies for church events and family. Joyce took great pleasure in watching others eat, such as when she prepared meals at her home for sports teams at Topeka West. She delighted in watching her sons; and grandsons' sporting events. One of her favorite hobbies in retirement was reading, during which she read over 1250 books.

Survivors include her husband, John Fay of Topeka; sons, Troy Fay and wife Heather of Topeka and Scott Fay and wife Kara of Syracuse, New York; grandchildren, Luke Fay, Drew Fay, Cole Fay, Michaela Fay, Brianna Fay and Bethany Fay; brothers, Vernon L. Roush and wife Esther of Topeka and Chuck Roush and wife Jenny of North Carolina. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon B. and Nadine Roush, and a sister, Lynda.

Memorial services will be held at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 4:00 pm. Private family inurnment will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made to Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS 66614.

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